Belgian Mussels Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds fresh mussels
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 shallots, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup of dry white wine
• 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Wash and scrub the mussels well under running water. Discard any open mussels that don’t close when tapped or any that are broken.
2. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, add the minced shallots and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the white wine, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and thyme and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the mussels to the pot and stir well to coat them in the broth. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the mussels steam for 5-7 minutes until they have fully opened.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and discard any mussels that haven’t opened. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mussels to a large bowl, and cover to keep warm.
6. Stir the heavy cream into the broth in the pot, and return it to medium heat. Simmer the liquid for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Pour the sauce over the mussels in the bowl.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve in bowls with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the broth.

Verdict:

Belgian mussels are a delicious and classic seafood dish, perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself to a special meal. The creamy sauce adds a richness to the tender and flavorful mussels, while the crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious broth. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in with loved ones or as a starter for a romantic dinner date.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this dish as an appetizer for a fancy dinner or bring a pot of mussels to a potluck for a unique and tasty contribution. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine.